WIRRAL Council is expected to continue its support for local team Tranmere Rovers and increase its sponsorship next season.

A report to the council’s ruling cabinet, which meets next week, recommends the sponsorship agreement between Tranmere Rovers FC and the authority be renewed for a further year to cover the period July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012.

It also says the sponsorship level should be “increased to take account of inflation.”

The sponsorship deal is currently worth £119,851, and if the recommendation is approved this could increase to between £123,000 and £126,000 next year, depending on inflation.

Wirral Council has sponsored Tranmere Rovers since the 1989/90 football season. This was originally agreed in order to recover a loan given to the club in 1983 that was repaid in 1998. The report by the director of law, Bill Norman, said: “The current arrangement is in the form of direct sponsorship to the club reflecting the value to the council in terms of marketing, promotion and other community benefits.

“In July, 2004, a report was considered by Cabinet which detailed costs and benefits associated with corporate sponsorship in relation to a selection of football clubs.

“Cabinet concluded that when community benefits are taken into account, the current level of sponsorship is appropriate.”

As well as a full-page advert in each match programme, Mr Norman said the council receives other benefits from the deal.

The report will be considered by the council when it meets next Thursday, June 2, at Wallasey Town Hall.